For those who might not be totally familiar with The Isaacs, here is the rundown, courtesy of the Opry:
The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 35 years ago are based out of Hendersonville, TN. The vocalists are mother Lily Isaacs, and siblings Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman.
Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their musical style has been influenced by many genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary, acoustic and southern gospel.
As frequent guest performers at the Grand Ole Opry, The Isaacs received an invitation, presented on stage by Opry member Ricky Skaggs during their August 10, 2021 performance, to become the next members of the Grand Ole Opry. The group will be formally inducted into the Opry family on September 14, 2021. Additionally, The Isaacs are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series, and travel internationally throughout the year to perform to welcoming fans in countries including South Africa, Norway, Holland, Scotland, Ireland ,Israel, Canada and many more. Concert venues include civic centers, auditoriums, arenas, fair grounds, parks, churches and other locations. They have been nominated at and performed on the Dove Awards, IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) and NQC (National Quartet Convention) Awards, the ICMA Awards (Inspirational Christian Country). Other notable performances include CMA Fan Fest, Carnegie Hall and many professional sporting events, including a Cincinnati Bengal’s football game, Nashville Predators Hockey games and an Astros/ Braves baseball game.
The Isaacs have won over seven Dove Awards in various categories and have had several Grammy nominations in their career. They feel blessed to be able to travel and spread the message of hope and grace through song and story.
The line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry is a strong one, featuring Opry members John Conlee, Rhonda Vincent, Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, along with the previously mentioned Ricky Skaggs.
7:00: John Conlee; Drew Parker; Rhonda Vincent; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Ricky Skaggs; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Ricky Skaggs; The Isaacs
Besides the Tuesday Night Opry, this week marks the return of the Wednesday Night Opry, which will be taking place with a series of fall shows. The show this week will feature Opry members Jeannie Seely, Rhonda Vincent and Chris Janson, along with Jamey Johnson, who tried to become an Opry member, and David Phelps, who will be making his Opry debut.
7:00: Jeannie Seely; High Valley; Rhonda Vincent; David Phelps
Intermission
8:15: Bela Fleck; Jamey Johnson; Chris Janson
Intermission
8:15: Bela Fleck; Jamey Johnson; Chris Janson
Once a childhood musical prodigy from Tomball, Texas, David Phelps’ powerful tenor has helped to establish him as a national treasure. The Platinum-selling vocalist has charted three #1 releases on Billboard’s Music Video chart, and was a member of four-time Grammy nominated and 12-time Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band from 1997 to 2005, and again from 2009 to 2017. He has performed at numerous prestigious venues across the globe, including the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House, and his “Classic” special aired on PBS. With 14 solo albums to his credit, David’s electrifying voice has moved audiences from all walks of life, crossing generational and stylistic barriers. His highly anticipated new recording, “GameChanger,” releases in September.
Moving along, Opry Country Classics continues on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin hosting, joined by his brothers Steve and Rudy. Also scheduled to appear are Jamey Johnson, Wendy Moten and Michael Ray, among others.
Finally, Monday September 13 will be a special night at the Grand Ole Opry House as thanks to the efforts of Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn, "Loretta Lynn's Friends: Hometown Rising." a benefit concert for flood relief, will be taking place before a sold out Opry House. The show will be live streamed on Circle TV, and will feature performances by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Reba McEntire, Little Big Town and a host of others to be announced. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of Humphreys County, which is in Loretta's immediate area.
A lot going on at the Opry this week with some wonderful shows.
Don Maddox of The Maddox Brothers & Rose has passed away at age 98.
ReplyDeleteCuriosity has gotten the better of me. Is there a backstory to the comment regarding to the mention of Jamey Johnson, “who tried to become an Opry member”? Again, I am just curious.
ReplyDeleteBruce, I don't have my records in front of me, but a few years ago, and I am thinking it was either in 2018 or 2019, Jamey was on the Opry during a segment hosted by Bill Anderson. Jamey made the comment that he was going to be the next member of the Opry, and if I remember the wording correctly, said that he had been asked and said yes (or something like that) and was just waiting to sign the paperwork. Needless to say, Jamey apparently wasn't really asked to become a member and there was no paperwork given to him to sign. If I am missing some of the details, I am sure someone can correct me.
Delete(Byron posting while on vacation).
Bruce, Byron is pretty on target in what transpired.
Delete“I was just talking to Bill Anderson over there on the side and I said, ‘I’m gonna come out here and make this announcement tonight.’ I’d like to announce that I’m the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
This pronouncement from Jamey was met with a roar of applause from the Opry audience. But then Johnson cut in.
“I would like to announce that, but it’s not true. I’ve signed my part of the contract. If we can get them to sign their part it’ll be a done deal,” he said. “We’re working on it. We’re getting there. 13 years now I’ve been playing this ol’ Opry.”
It’s a little hard to tell if Jamey Johnson was trying to be funny, was completely serious, was trying to make a statement, or something in between. But it certainly has stirred the pot for people who think Jamey should be an Opry member, especially if artists such as Dustin Lynch are being invited. Jamey Johnson is a Nashville resident, holds an office on Music Row, and would easily meet the Opry’s performance requirements, unlike many contemporary artists who take the invitation from the Opry, but then rarely appear on the stage.
Jamey concluded by saying, “I love it here. I love all of y’all. Thank you for coming out and supporting this fine institution,” so he clearly wasn’t too torqued on the matter. But it’s also clear Jamey Johnson would love to be a member, and it’s clear to just about everyone who pays close attention to country music that he should be.
Source: Sept. 17, 2018 post on Saving Country Music
I really hope one day he will be. After his performance a couple weeks ago, I Tweeted out to the Grand Ole Opry that I thought it would be a great idea to invite Jamey into the family, what did they think? Let's see what they do with my thoughts. haha! It worked for the Isaacs, no sooner did I see that they were going to be on the Opry last month, I posted that I thought they would make great Opry members & darn if that very night, they were invited. WHAT would be the odds of me asking the Opry & having them invite him either tomorrow or Thursday night? I am keeping my fingers crossed.
(Jeanene)
Jeanene, thanks for posting the article from Saving Country Music. And yes, I would agree that Jamey Johnson would make a great Opry member.
Delete(Byron)
Jeanene, thanks for posting the article from Saving Country Music. And yes, I would agree that Jamey Johnson would make a great Opry member.
Delete(Byron)
Jeanene, thanks for posting the article from Saving Country Music. And yes, I would agree that Jamey Johnson would make a great Opry member.
Delete(Byron)
You're welcome Byron ... happy to "step in to help" while you & Casey are on vacation.
DeleteTurning the blog back over to you now ... #notmine - :-)
I came close to jumping in my car (5 hour drive to Nashville) to see the Isaacs joining the 'Opry. Sure wish I had.
ReplyDeleteTremendously moved listening to Lily describing her arriving in America, hearing Ricky, while obviously emotional, praising the Lord, and then having the White's help with the induction. Crowd's response was moving as well. Felt like I was in Church!
Thank you 'Opry for doing the right thing and beginning to understand who your audience is.
What a great night at the Opry!
ReplyDeleteStill hope for real country music at the Opry on it's 100th anniversary in 2025 ---- maybe Opry management has figured out who and what it's sustaining loyal repeat audience is !!! Dashmann , Flushing, Michigan ---
ReplyDelete